Is Kylian Mbappé feeding international retirement rumours? | OneFootball

Kylian Mbappé (26) will make his return to the France national team on Thursday. It comes after a lengthy absence. After a mentally difficult September international break, Didier Deschamps thought it best for all parties if the France captain was dropped from the next two squads.

However, he has now made his return to Clairefontained and is hungry to win his second World Cup with Les Bleus in 2026. To mark his return, the Real Madrid forward has spoken to the press in interviews with Le Parisien and TF1. During those interviews, Mbappé had a short-term vision.

“I’m just trying to focus on the 2026 World Cup. That is what I want. I have always said that my objective was to win another World Cup. The rest, I’m not thinking about it too much,” he said. In Wednesday’s press conference, Mbappé was questioned by journalists on his comments, with the French press suggesting that his recent comments cast doubt on his long-term future with Les Bleus.

“Yes, it was intentional (not to look beyond 2026). All my thoughts are towards the 2026 World Cup. I have to devote all of my energy towards it,” he said ahead of the match against Croatia. By not dampening the rumours, he is stoking the flame and the key phrase: “Not planning beyond 2026 (with the France national team),” doesn’t provide any clarity on Mbappé’s future in Bleu.

GFFN | Luke Entwistle